Jeep Grand Cherokee

Overview: Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee a Good Midsize SUV?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee blends rugged off-road capabilities with family-focused practicality. Sold as a five-door SUV, the midsize Grand Cherokee employs a range of powerful V6 and V8 engines, sending torque to either two or all four wheels depending on configuration. Generous standard features, even on base Laredo models, make it feel upscale, while the specialized Trailhawk model and high-performance Trackhawk and SRT versions expand the range. The Grand Cherokee has been around since 1993. It and the earlier Jeep Cherokee helped America embrace SUVs as everyday vehicles. This overview focuses on more recent editions:

• Third generation (WK: 2005-2010)
• Fourth generation (WK2: 2011-2021)
• Fifth generation (WL: 2022-Current)

A three-row Grand Cherokee L was introduced by FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis) as part of the fifth generation but is considered a separate model. The Jeep brand recently expanded with the launch of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer three-row SUVs.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Jeep Grand Cherokee cars for sale.

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Related: Jeep Grand Cherokee Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

Key Features

Jeep Grand Cherokee specs:

• Five-door midsize SUV body style
• V6 and V8 engine options, a Diesel was available for a few years, and the 4Xe plug-in hybrid is a recent powertrain addition
• Rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
• Automatic transmission

Trims

Third-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee trims centered around the Laredo, Limited, Overland, and high-performance SRT-8 editions. The fourth generation (WK2) saw the addition of the Laredo E, Laredo X, Trailhawk, High Altitude, Summit SRT, and SRT Trackhawk trims. The Summit Reserve joined the lineup in the fifth generation.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Both Grand Cherokee rows offer spacious accommodations, enhanced by available equipment like heated front and rear seats, massaging first-row buckets, and other comforts and conveniences. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is as basic or deluxe as individual buyers want. The same goes for technology, with later editions having access to Uconnect infotainment systems and advanced driver-assist features. While not the biggest two-row SUV, the Grand Cherokee offers ample cargo capacity, especially with the rear seats folded.

How It Drives

The Pentastar V6 and other six-cylinder options prove powerful enough for most needs, while eight-cylinder engines (including the Hemi V8) supply more horsepower and better acceleration (fuel economy suffers). The Grand Cherokee 4xe offers up to 25 miles of all-electric driving. All Jeep Grand Cherokees feel composed both on- and off-road courtesy of the stiffness inherent in extra-rugged chassis and suspension.

Safety

The third- and fourth-generation Grand Cherokees do well in testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Most years received a four- or five-star (good to great) rating for overall or frontal/side-impact safety performance. The fifth generation has yet to undergo these evaluations.

Reviews

According to Kelley Blue Book, Jeep Grand Cherokee reviews average 4.2-4.3 out of 5.0 for the third and fourth generations. Owners praise their SUV’s reliability and comfort. Reviews are still coming in for the fifth generation, with initial results not looking good—consumers rate the newest Grand Cherokee a lowly 3.4.

Learn More: Here Are The Jeep Grand Cherokee Years To Avoid - CoPilot and Which Used Year Model of Jeep Grand Cherokee Is The Best Value?

FAQs

Is a Grand Cherokee a real Jeep?

Yes. With available four-wheel drive, heavy-duty hardware, and specialized variants like the Trailhawk model, the Grand Cherokee maintains legitimate off-road credentials like Wranglers despite its near-luxury status.

How many years does a Grand Cherokee last?

Properly maintained examples can eclipse 200,000 miles. Follow factory service guidelines, especially fluid changes, to maximize the longevity of major components.

Do Jeep Grand Cherokees have transmission problems?

Yes, past models have suffered well-publicized automatic transmission glitches. Ensure any used model has the latest firmware updates installed, and always get a pre-purchase inspection of any used Jeep Grand Cherokees under consideration. Jeep Grand Cherokee prices for older models tend to reflect this gearbox issue.

What does Limited mean on Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Limited represents a well-equipped trim grade slotting above base Laredo models. The Grand Cherokee Limited adds amenities like dual-zone climate control, heated first-row seats, keyless access and remote start, blind spot warning, and more.

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